Erick Silva Gets New Opponent for UFC Rio 142

Almost as quickly as it was announced that Brazilian phenom Erick Silva was without an opponent for UFC Rio: Aldo vs. Mendes, another fighter has already stepped up to fill the void.

Silva was originally slated to face stand-up specialist Siyar Bahadurzada, but an injury knocked the Afghan out of the fight. Taking his place is Brazilian born Texas transplant Carlo Prater.

UFC Brasil announced the new opponent Friday afternoon.

Silva (13-1 / 1 NC) is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu and Judo black belt that has been tearing through his opposition, going to a decision on three times in his 13 victories. He made his Octagon debut at UFC 134 in August, where he TKO’d Luis Ramos inside of the opening minute of their fight.

UFC 142 (also known as UFC Rio 2) marks Prater’s first time in the Octagon, although he did serve a two-fight stint in the WEC under Zuffa ownership. He lost to Carlos Condit and Brock Larson in the WEC, but has recently bounced back going four-for-four in 2011, all by way of submission, including a victory over TUF 9 veteran Cameron Dollar.

UFC 142 features featherweight champion Jose Aldo putting his belt on the line against Chad Mendes on Jan. 14 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.